Labor's dental plan for teenagers

A Federal Labor Government would invest up to $510 million over three years to help Australian teenagers with dental costs, according to a media release issued on 11 November.

Under the plan families will be able to claim up to $150 towards the cost of an annual dental preventive check for each of their children aged 12 to 17 years through Medicare. This proposal would affect up to one million teenagers.

To operate from 1 July 2008, the benefit would be paid using a voucher for eligible families. Labor claims that this plan brings its dental health program to $800 million.

ACCC won't oppose health fund merger

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has issued a media release advising that it will not intervene in the proposed merger of BUPA Australia Pty Ltd and MBF Australia Limited.

ACCC Chairman, Mr Graeme Samuel, said "BUPA and MBF are both registered providers of private health insurance which have a presence in every Australian state and territory. In South Australia and the Northern Territory BUPA operates under the name Mutual Community and in all other states and territories BUPA operates under the name HBA."

"The ACCC conducted a comprehensive review of the proposed merger including extensive market inquiries with interested parties. The ACCC carefully considered the likely effects of the proposed merger on the supply of private health insurance to consumers and on the acquisition of services from private hospitals."

"The ACCC paid particular attention to potential effects in the supply of private health insurance to South Australian consumers due to BUPA's strong position in that state. The ACCC also investigated concerns that the proposed merger may enhance BUPA's bargaining position in negotiations with private hospitals in South Australia."

"In reaching its decision the ACCC found that competition from a number of competing private health insurance providers in South Australia would be likely to continue to constrain BUPA in the foreseeable future."

The ADA Inc. made a submission to the ACCC opposing this merger. In its submission, which members can view in the members' only area of the ADA Inc. website, an analysis of market share was provided:

"Based on the State of the Health Funds Report 2006, published by the Private Health Insurance Ombudsman (www.phio.org.au/documents/SOHFR2006.pdf - extract of the table below) it would be appear that the result of the proposed merger between BUPA and MBF would mean that that entity and its key competitor would have a combined market share of between 45% and 88% in each of the respective States/Territory."

Working with Children Check - Clarification

A notice in the November ADAVB Newsletter advised that "Employers must ensure that staff who work with children under 18 years apply for the Mandatory Working with Children Check before 30 December 2007".

The Department of Justice advises that this requirement does not extend to ordinary dental practice, but would be restricted to dental personnel involved in providing treatment to children in public or private hospitals, or regularly visiting schools, pre-schools and other institutions covered under the Working with Children Act 2005.

Consequently, the mandatory requirements will not affect most dentists and their staff.

Christmas Emergency Treatment Erratum

A notice appeared in the November ADAVB Newsletter suggesting that the Dental Hospital will not treat emergency cases over the Christmas holiday period. That advice was incorrect and Dental Health Services Victoria advises the correct information about these services is as follows:

With the Christmas-New Year holiday break nearing, members are reminded to have advisory information for patients about emergency treatment.

Between December 22 and December 26, DHSV is providing an emergency-only service at RDHM. Primarily we are here for accidents, swellings and trauma for all members of the public - both eligible and “private” dental patients.

All private patients will get palliative care if this is required – temporary filling or extraction or be advised to see their private dentist after the Christmas break. Members should advise patients of the clinic’s hours – if open. The clinic’s recorded phone Christmas message should note “…… limited emergency service at the RDHM” . “………..Seeing genuine emergencies only. Ring 9341-1000”.

ADAVB apologises for any inconvenience caused by publication of the incorrect notice.